Sen. Aubertine Working to Make Power for Jobs Program Permanent

Oswego, NY – The Energy Discount Program Power for Jobs expires in less than one month.

Power for Jobs is the program that offers low cost power for businesses that keep and create jobs in New York.

Lawmakers are currently working on adding a new version of the program for seven years at a time, with the option to renew at any time during those seven years.

State Sen. Darrel Aubertine said lawmakers are working on making the program permanent.

"This is not something that would be recurring. The language that would be in the budget this year would bring some stability to the Power for Jobs Program. It would make it a longer-term program," said Aubertine.

Aubertine, a Democrat, said businesses could take part in the program for seven years at a time, with the option to renew at any time during those seven years.

Randy Wolken is the President of Manufacturers Association of Central New York. He said making the program permanent would help businesses plan long term.

"This current round of bills includes some critical elements. One is seven-year contracts to help stabilize the power distribution, so that companies can plan and make capitol investments," said Wolken.

Despite stalled budget negotiations, Wolken said he is optimistic that a new budget will be approved before the May 15th, which is when the current Power for Jobs program expires.